Truck Topics
Evolution of an expedited truck classic
Since its debut at the 2003 Expedite Expo, the 960 Express Cruiser from Freightliner of Knoxville has become one of the standards by which other expedited trucks are measured. This package has enjoyed great acceptance at both the entry level for those businesspeople beginning their expedite careers and for the expedite road veterans seeking even more comfort and amenities from their work truck.
Based on the road-tested Sterling Acterra platform with air-ride on the suspension, cab and sleeper and powered by a 300HP Mercedes-Benz MBE 900 engine mated to a 6-speed Allison Automatic, the 960 has proven to be equal to the demands of the fast freight industry. Indeed, it has been Freightliner of Knoxville's best selling expedite truck for the last four years.
But, you know how some folks are, they've just got to tinker, to see if they can make something better. The truck has recently undergone its first major upgrade since its introduction and the result is an even more luxurious and driver-useable vehicle.
Says Jon Mosier, Expedited Truck Specialist at the dealership, "We have completely overhauled and upgraded the sleeper for 2007. Due to customer requests and suggestions, the living accomodations on the truck are even better than before."
Mosier states that planning of the upgrade began around two years ago: Although we had incredible response to the original package when it was introduced in 2003, we realized that we could always improve our product."
After lengthy consultation and meetings with the sleeper's designer/builder, Bentz Transport Products of Ft. Wayne (the sleeper is exclusive to Freightliner of Knoxville), it was decided to give the unit a significant structural makeover.
"The sleeper is now a full-condo style - 96†X 102†- and the cab's roof has been opened up from the windshield on back. This means even more storage space that's available over the driver and passenger areas and it results in 6"more headroom."
He continues, "Tne new sleeper is now available with a single or double bunk arrangement. The double bunk has been introduced to accomodate fleet owners with "mixed" teams.Both the single bunk and double bunk versions include the 48" wide lower bunk with the Bentz Dine-a-Bunk that has been extremely popular".
Mosier tells us that numerous appointments in the living quarters have received upgrades as well, including two major appliances essential to comfort on the road:"We now offer a microwave/convection oven and we also have an even larger refrigerator with separate freezer on top".
"We've been working on the electronics as well. The sleeper is now equipped with a 17" flat panel TV with DVD, AM/FM CD player, all in the back. The TV is now conveniently placed at the countertop level for better viewing."
"We didn''t forget the electronics in the cab," says Mosier. "We now offer three dash mounted audio options that include an AM/FM CD with XM Satellite radio, an AM/FM CD with Sirius Satellite radioand an AM/FM CD unit."
The 960's living space has undergone some subtle changes as well. The interior is now available with color coordinated earth tones - tans, browns and greens. The 960 has always been known for a generous degree of storage space and the upgraded version continues that tradition with plenty of personal goods storage area.The sink is now centered within the countertop and retains the ten gallon holding tank.
There have been some exterior improvements to the truck, too.
The 960 now sports a 22' Mickey brand cargo box from the High Point, NC body manufacturer. This product features a single-bar closure system and a fully-enclosed ICC step bumper. It comes standard with wood flooring, 3 rows of etrack, cargo ring tie downs, etc. In addition, all of the lighting fixtures on the truck's exterior have been upgraded.
Mosier reflects on the history of this popular truck:
"When the original 960 was unveiled to the world at the 2003 Expo, the paint was still drying and the accent stripes had just been put on. We were lucky that it was a hot day with lots of sunshine - it helped the paint dry," he says with a laugh.
"In just a few years, we've gone from the original 88" unit with around 6" of the roof cut out to a 96" with the entire roof cut back. We keep improving it!"
"The 960 Express Cruiser has taken the industry from medium duty trucks with limited sleeper options to a truck that's purpose-built for expedite and custom-made by the expediters for the expediters, especially for teams."
New offerings
Mosier says that 2007 will see the introduction of a modified expedited truck lineup from Freightliner of Knoxville.
In addition to the new and improved Sterling 960 Express Cruiser, the dealership will also offer expedited truck buyers the Sterling L9500 "Command Cruiser" with the Mercedes 4000 series engine with 10-speed Eaton Fuller UltraShift. "Class 8 all the way."
Also available - The Columbia CL112 "Command Cruiser" w/70" integral double-bunk sleeper. "These have been very popular because the integral sleeper allows mounting of a 24' cargo box," says Mosier.
Mosier adds, "I believe that the expediting truck buyer is always best served by doing business with a dealer that is an expedited truck specialist. The best example of that specialization is the 960 Express Cruiser - built for expediters employing the experience of expediters."